Bétharram Survivor Appeals to Pope Leo XIV: “If You Are Ashamed, Say So”

Lestelle-Bétharram – 08/08/2026: With an urgent appeal to Pope Leo XIV, survivors of the abuse scandal at the Catholic school Notre-Dame de Bétharram have once again called for a clear statement from the head of the Church. According to Franceinfo, Pascal Gélie, a member of the largest victims’ collective, urged the Pope to publicly state his position on the reported sexual assaults within the Church.

Gélie’s words are addressed to a man whose voice could mean more to many former pupils than a formal response from Rome. If the Pope feels shame and is truly outraged, he must say so, Gélie demanded. A personal meeting would be of great importance to the former schoolmates, he explained. The collective formally requested an audience at the end of May.

Notre-Dame de Bétharram is located in Lestelle-Bétharram, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department near Pau. Former pupils report physical, psychological and sexual violence that they allegedly experienced during their time at the school. The allegations span several decades and are directed at both members of religious orders and secular employees. The survivors are demanding recognition, a comprehensive reckoning and concrete support.

The independent commission of inquiry commissioned by the responsible congregation published its final report on June 20, 2026. In it, it describes the violence at the institution as systemic and exceptionally long-lasting. It recommends financial compensation for all survivors, as well as measures to prevent any recurrence and preserve the memory of what happened.

According to the commission, a total of 48 people had received compensation for sexual violence linked to Notre-Dame de Bétharram by May 31, 2026. The total amount paid by the congregation exceeded 1.4 million euros. However, these arrangements do not automatically cover all reported forms of violence. Victims’ representatives are therefore pressing for broader solutions and reliable procedures for survivors who have not yet been taken into account.

Alongside the Church’s internal reckoning, the justice system is dealing with numerous complaints from former pupils. The Pau public prosecutor’s office opened an investigation in 2024. In February 2026, it announced that a second man had been charged with rape. All defendants are presumed innocent; the competent courts will decide on criminal liability.

The appeal to Leo XIV combines the desire for a meeting with the demand for public recognition. The independent commission has submitted its recommendations to the congregation. At the same time, criminal investigations continue, while 48 survivors have already received compensation for sexual violence.